Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4d/3n

DURATION

DISTANCE

ALTITUDE

LEVEL

START

FINISH

4 Days / 3 Nights

30 km

2900 masl – 4000 masl

moderate

Cusco – Lares

Machu Picchu – Cusco

This version of Lares Hike offers something different and special. It involves elements of cultural experience, but also a high mountain adventure and an exposure to a beautiful high Andean forest. The communities we meet on the way are still true to their old culture. Along the way you will see and meet people who still wear the typical clothing of their ancestors, living simply and off the land. There is a variety of Andean flora and fauna to be seen as you hike across the high-altitudes passing grazing llamas and alpacas, beautiful lakes. This trek takes a different route than usual away from the majority of trekkers.

We depart from Cuzco early in the morning and travel to the town of Calca (2900 masl). After Calca we pass Inca burial tombs, local farms and herds of llamas. Just past the highest point of the day, we will stop for a short walk at the Inca ruins of Ancasmarca with views of the surrounding valley. From here we make our way down into the Lares Valley and the main town, Lares where we can visit the local market before continuing onto the famous hot springs. Have a bath in the hot springs before lunch. In the afternoon we will walk about 3 hours to the village of Huacahuasi. Camping at Huacahuasi village.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Huacahuasi – Yachaywasi

After breakfast we begin to ascent to the highest point of our trek – Wakawasi pass (4000 masl). We reach it after about 4 hours of hiking. On the way we see beautiful snow-capped mountains. After the pass we descent for 1 hour and arrive at the lunchspot located close to a nice lagoon where we have an opportunity to observe Andean seagulls and gees. In the afternoon we further descent for 2.5 hours through the queuñales (Andean forest).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Yachaywasi – Yanahuara – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The final section of our trek is an easy 1.5 hours walk that brings us to the village of Yanahuara – known as the capital of peach fruit. From there we will take private transport to the town of Ollantaytambo, where will have lunch. Depending on the train time during the afternoon you will have time to visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo or explore the town of Ollantaytambo which has the original Incan layout. In the afternoon or evening we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Accomodation: Hostal in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

On this day, we will plan to leave very early to take the first bus to Machu Picchu which leaves at 5:30 so that we can be at the citadel early. In this place, we will have a thorough explanation of the Inca constructions and explore the ancient City of the Incas. If at the time of booking you have secured the entry to the mountain of Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain we will hike there. These mountains will let us appreciate Machu Picchu from a different vantage point. Later, we will descend to the pueblo of Aguas Calientes to take our return train to Cusco, and then return to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast in the hotel.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The time of hiking will depend on the group. The guide can change the places for having lunch and camping according to the physical condition of the group.

Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.

If you would like an extra night in Aguas Calientes please let us know at the time of your reservation so that we can make appropriate arrangements with the return train tickets.

LARES. This is an adventure trek. To enjoy it in full – bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.

INCLUDED:

An explanation two days before departing

Transport in private bus to the start of the trek

Transport from Yanahuara to Ollantaytambo

Transfer to your hotel on return

Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Meals according to the program (Vegetarian option available)

Boiled water on all days for your bottles

Snacks far walking

Camping tents for 2 and 3 persons depending on the requirements

Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest)

Camping equipment, dining tents, kitchen, tables, chairs

Cook and assistant cook

Kitchen/eating utensils

Pack animals (mules and horses) to carry the baggage and equipment

Emergency horse

Wranglers to care for the pack animals

Professional guide who speaks English, Spanish and Quechua

Assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people

Last night celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes in a restaurant

Entrance into Machu Picchu

Bus up to and back down from Machu Picchu

Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

Return train ticket to Cusco

Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot water

First aid equipment and oxygen tank

NOT INCLUDED:

Breakfast the first day

Dinner the last day

Boleto turistico

Tips for personnel: guide, cook, wranglers (according to their job)

Sleeping bags (they can be rented in the office)

Entrances to hot springs

If you would like to rent an additional horse, the cost is $10 per day

1 small nylon reinforced backpack to carry the things you need for the trek (camera, drinks, etc.)

1 large backpack or suitcase to keep the things you don‘t need in your hotel in Cusco until you return from your trek

Sleeping bag good for -5°C (which can be rented in Cusco)

Small flashlight and extra batteries

1 water bottle (1 liter) or a small plastic throw away bottle

Hiking boots

Tennis shoes

1 jacket (of nylon with hood and water and wind resistant)

1 Fleece Jacket

1 pair of gloves and hat of wool (they can be bought during your trip)